By Amanda CasanovaStudents from Nimitz, MacArthur and Irving High Schools present the colors at the Irving Veterans Day program. Photo by Amanda Casanova

Days after the Presidential election, Irving community members set aside personal politics to honor the city’s veterans at the Irving Veterans Day program. The Nov. 9 ceremony at the Central Library boasted a room full of veterans and community leaders.

Irving’s military history spans decades, going as far back as World War I in 1914 when two Irving men were killed in the war. Irving residents served in World War II, the Korean War and an estimated 30 Irvingites were killed in the Vietnam War, according to the City of Irving. Even more have served in post-Vietnam battles.

“We do this today in honor of those who pledged to do what we can’t do for ourselves,” said Sharon Barbosa-Crain, of the Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee. “We want to say thank you so much to those who gave their lives and those who served for us.”

The program included performances from the MacArthur High School Jazz Band, who kicked off the program with “The Star Spangled Banner.”

“So often we get lost in politics,” Mayor Beth Van Duyne said. “We might fight, but we have a fantastic country and a fantastic state. I love our city, and it’s because of the A MacArthur High School Jazz band member plays “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Irving Veterans Day program. Photo by Amanda Casanova.people in this room who served.”

In a divided time for the nation, John Danish, a former Irving council member, said veterans are a reminder of a country bigger than political sides and quarrels.

“When these veterans joined together in their fields of battle they weren’t saying ‘Are you Democrat or Republican?’” he said. “They were fighting for the United States of America.”

The program closed with the playing of “Taps” and the laying of a wreath at the Irving Veteran Memorial Park next to the library.

“We have to continue as a country and as individual to recognize and show our appreciation to those who are willing to fight for us, those who are willing to make the sacrifices necessary so the rest of us can enjoy this great nation,” City Councilman Joe Putnam told attendees.

By Tracy Begland

The Coppell High School Band’s contest season ended with a top five finish at the UIL State 5A Marching Band Contest in San Antonio.

The Nov. 6 state competition at the Alamodome opened with a preliminary round featuring the top 38 bands in the state. The 350-member Coppell band performed their show “The Spectrum: the Sounds of Richard Wagner.” Their program began with a slow march from the sideline accompanied by a woodwind ensemble featuring four Texas All State musicians.

A powerful sound along with crisp marching drills entertained the audience as the group performed Wagner compositions including Die Meistersinger, Pilgrims’ Chorus, and Lohengrin. The color guard accentuated the mood of each movement, unfurling five sets of colorful flags.

The judges ranked the band fourth overall in the preliminary contest, earning Coppell a spot in the finals. That evening the state’s top 10 bands took to the field.

“Very seldom do you have a band perform at the finals better than they did at prelims,” said head band director Scott Mason."This year our band did.” Mason said the band devised strategies to make their show even better the second time if they made finals.

At the conclusion of the evening’s performances, the cavernous stadium grew quiet as spectators and the competing bands awaited the results.

Coppell finished fifth in the state, missing a three way tie for third by one point. North Texas was represented by Flower Mound Marcus, Hebron, and L. D. Bell. Those bands filled three of the other top five spots.

The band’s journey to state did not begin when they loaded the eight charter buses bound for San Antonio, or even during the two-a-day practices in August heat. Mason said success at state began much earlier.

“Part of the reason the marching band is so successful is the hard work that goes on from November to June,” he said. “Students work on their All State music and solos through the rest of the year, making them better musicians and the marching band better each year.”

Coppell High School has the opportunity to compete at the state level every other year. Nearly 250 bands competed in UIL contests across the state in mid-October. Bands earning a One Rating advanced to area competitions. Coppell, along with Duncanville, Berkner, and Rowlett, represented Area C at the state event. Participation in the state marching contest has become a tradition for the Coppell High School band. This year marks the 11^th time the band has qualified at the state level.

CHS band president Taylor Harwood said she could not be more proud of the 2012 CHS Marching Band.

"The time and dedication we have put into this program is outstanding,” Harwood said. "We have achieved unity this year more than any other year I've been in the program, and I thank everyone for such a memorable year.”

In addition to their success at State, the Coppell High School Marching Band earned a top 10 finish at the Bands of America Regional in Denton, a sweep of all 5A awards at the Mesquite Marching Contest, and a first place finish at the Duncanville Marching Contest.

Mason summed up his band’s performance this way: “The best yet.”

Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children celebrates 10^th anniversary with benefit concert

Ten years after its creation, sparked by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with a charity concert, Notes for Autism, at 3 p.m. Dec. 1, in the Van Cliburn Recital Hall of the Bass Performance Center, 330 East 4^th Street, Fort Worth.

The foundation was created in 2003 by Coppell resident Tracy Pierce Bender in memory of her late husband, Brent Woodall, who was lost in the Sept. 11^th attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York.

“To see how far the foundation has come in ten years in the midst of great tragedy and an economic recession that has swept across our country is amazing,” said Erin Alcorn, an administrative assistant and music therapist at the foundation. “It shows how resilient and determined Tracy and the Foundation are.”

Alcorn, who graduated from Coppell High School in 2008,will sing at the concert.

“I wanted to combine my love for music with my love for the children at the foundation, and the 10^th anniversary seemed to be the perfect occasion to do so,” Alcorn said.

Alcorn has worked seasonally since 2008 as an assistant therapist for the foundation while completing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio.

“Tracy was so flexible with me during school, and I am happy to give back to her and the Foundation by sharing my music,” she said.

“It is really encouraging that despite the violent circumstances the Foundation began with, we are celebrating its longevity with a peaceful and beautiful musical event. This really attests to the strength of our country’s people, like Tracy.”

The foundation’s Pre-school Readiness Education Program (PREP) will also give a special performance at the concert.

“Our kids have been working on their performance the entire semester,” said Alcorn, who teaches the music elective. “They’re going to rock the house.”

All ages are welcome to attend the concert. The hall will be set up so that parents have flexibility to bring their children and enjoy the event without fear of disturbing other guests. Seats may be reserved online at www.woodallkids.org or by phone at 972-756-9170. All monies raised from Notes for Autism will support services and programs offered by the Brent Woodall Foundation.

PREP prepares students to integrate into a typical pre-school or kindergarten setting. It is open to all children ages 3-5, including those with autism, developmental delays or language delays.

Source: Brent Woodall Foundation

By Amanda Casanova 

Eva Guzman is the first Latina appointed and elected to the Texas Supreme Court and one of the most influential Latino leaders in the nation. Serving as the 8^th annual Irving Hispanic Chamber Awards luncheon’s guest speaker, Guzman told attendees that Hispanic chambers are a key part to communities.

“They have made the community part of their business plan,” she said. “They’re investing. They’re giving back to their community. These types of events would not be possible without strong leadership both in the community and in the chamber.”

With an overall population of more than 218,000, Irving’s Hispanic population comprises almost 42 percent.

Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez, who attended the luncheon, said it is important that young people, especially Hispanics, understand they work is necessary for success.

“The message to children is that if they apply themselves, go to school and do something after you go to school, you are going to be successful if you have results,” Gonzalez said. “In America you can be successful if you apply yourself, but the bullying you get in school doesn’t change and the way you stand up to that is with results.”

During the event, the Chamber celebrated its most distinguished members and businesses for 2012.

The 2012 IHCC award winners include:

Chamber Champion - Sharon Barbosa-Crain. 

Entrepreneur of the Year - Angie Franco, Encanto Cake Shop.

Small Business Champion - Tommy Gonzalez, Irving City Manager.

Small Business Year - Gene Guzman, G&C Direct Mail Marketing.

Corporate of the Year - TXU Energy, Jon Bennett.

The prestigious LATINA Style HONORS Latina Leaders of the USHCC National award went to Asusena Reséndiz, President and CEO of the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Asusena was recognized and celebrated as one of the most successful Chamber leaders in the Nation by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Latina Style in 2011 and 2012.

"This event is the perfect example of commitment to creating dynamic partnerships and to ensure that the City of Irving is a magnet for new and established business at are able to add diversity," said Asusena Resendiz, President of the IHCC. "We're fortunate to have had TXU title sponsor this year's event, and are honored to be here celebrating the success of our corporate and small business community."

Guzman said the Chamber is able to reach out to Hispanics and help them with their goals.

“We’re all about the American dream, Latino dreams,” she said. “Chambers make the American dream possible for new generations.

“I love the theme for the luncheon: Energizing the new generation. Are we energized?” Guzman asked to a room full of applause.

Founded in 1998, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to identify, develop, promote and support Irving businesses and those serving the Hispanic community through programs, activities and services.

Some information provided by the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.